Tips For Sewing With Bulky Fabrics!

Part of the appeal of creating garments and other projects with sewing machines like the Janome MC14000 is having the ability to use different types of fabric. This usually means learning different ways to handle fabrics, especially thick and bulky ones. When working with fleece, canvas, flannel, and other bulky choices, consider the following helpful tips for the best outcome using Janome sewing machines.

Use the Right Presser Foot

There is a presser foot for just about everything these days, including options for sewing thick and heavy fabrics. Walking feet are especially useful, as they do a great job of feeding thick fabric or multiple layers under the needle. Roller feet may also reduce bulk under the needle for easier stitching when on sewing machines. Denim feet and others designed to handle heavy material are also helpful. A presser foot should be used that is most relevant to the type of fabric or the number of layers being sewn.

Use A Wedge

A common issue when sewing layers of bulky fabric is beginning the stitching process. When the back of the presser foot is tilted backward, which would create problems when beginning to stitch, create a wedge of sewing scraps to raise the foot so it is even. After those first few stitches are done and the presser foot is level again on the fabric, move the wedge away and continue sewing as usual.

Use the Right Machine Settings

Most of today’s sewing machines such as Janome sewing machines have different settings to make working with bulkier fabric easier. Adjust the stitch length so it is slightly longer to accommodate the thickness of the fabric without causing unwanted stitch tension. It may be helpful to adjust stitch tension with certain fabrics. Hand-raising the presser foot can also help when the fabric does not fit comfortably under the needle and foot, giving a little more room.

Use the Hand Wheel

Another simple way to stitch through thick layers with a Janome MC14000 is to use the hand wheel. Broken needles are common when working with thicker fabrics or many layers. This can be avoided with slow, careful stitching done by rolling the hand wheel over the most challenging seams. Rolling the hand wheel is great for stitching smaller areas; however, longer seams may be better accomplished by using one of the other options.

Use A Larger Needle

When working with bulky fabric, stiff fabric such as canvas or denim, or when stitching through many layers, switching to a larger needle can also be helpful. The needle itself is a bit thicker and its increased length can push through the layers more easily, creating secure stitches. Larger needles are also less likely to break when moving through heavier fabric.

Press and Trim Seams Flat

To reduce the bulk of some fabrics while stitching, hand press the seams before sewing so the layers move easily under the needle. Then after stitching, press seam allowances again or trim away any excess to keep the seam area from becoming too obvious and cumbersome.

Every project created by using sewing machines like the Janome MC14000 requires a different approach based on the fabric type, thickness, and number of layers being sewn. When stitching layers of bulky fabrics, it may be necessary to make some adjustment to the process to ensure straight and secure stitching without bunching, stretching, or other problems. Using the tips mentioned above, anyone sewing on Janome sewing machines should have little trouble seaming these fabrics to create useful garments and other items!